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Garden Innovations, 610 Mount Chesney Road, Inverary, ON (2026)

04/03/2022

APRIL
A wonderful month, our gardens are coming back to life. Now is a good time to finish tidying up our gardens.
This winter had a lot of snow and freezing weather. This created a bit of problem for some of our ‘evergreen’ plants, like Boxwood, Yews and Alberta Spruce. Some of these plants that had there needles turn brown. Do not remove them, as you may see new growth on the stem, be patient. If there is no new growth then cut them off. Once the ground is thawed it would be advised to fertilize the plant around the root base and not to close to the trunk. Water deeply and any weeds growing close, remove them.

• Something to remember, that many insects, bees, butterflies and other pollinators will over winter in dead leaves that you would have used as insulation for your garden beds last fall. Insects are beneficial to our gardens. So be careful. Once the weather warms arrives gently rake/turn over the insulation, this is to allow it to dry out faster. Do not remove; it will dry out as the weather gets warmer leaving the mulch to decay naturally over the next few weeks, adding nutrients to the soil. If you have evergreen trees, remove any cones that may have fallen plus any garbage that would have blown onto your lawn. Think about the forests, nobody rakes the ground around the trees?? Mother Nature takes care of the leaves and decomposes it and next thing you know the Trilliums and other woodland perennial are growing.
• If you have Ornamental Grasses now is a good time to cut them back to about 4”-5”. You may already see the new growth showing. Also if you left up sedums or any other perennials left over the winter do cut them back as well. I usually keep these plants over the winter as they are food for the birds.
• It is not a good idea to rake a lawn until it has dried out as you can damage the grass and may pull the roots out. If there are fall leaves left from last fall, they will break down naturally. The grass should be at least 4” high when you first mow, leaving the grass clippings on the lawn, which is high in nutrients, to decay back into the lawn. Of course if your lawn mower leaves any clumps of cut grass, gently rake it over the lawn.
• This is a great time to walk through your garden and vegetable gardens looking for weeds as the soil is still soft and easy to pull out.
• Bring out your garden tools and inspect them for rust or any kind of damaged that you may have missed before you had stored them for the winter. Sharpen them if necessary.
• Any plants that you have started from seeds indoors, harden them off by putting them outdoors for short time each day
• Be the end of the month plants that like cooler weather can be planted, this is a few suggestions:

Vegetables:
Cabbage, Swiss Chard, Peas, Kale.
Perennials:
Rocket Larkspur, Phlox, Calendula, Poppy, Bachelor’s Buttons Sweet Pea.

Maybe it will be warmer enough for that first glass of wine; I know Jim and I will be having one under our Portico. Enjoy the first blooms in your garden.

Anne Maxwell CLD
Garden Innovations

03/06/2022

MARCH
‘In like a lion and out like a lamb” as the saying goes.
We are tempted into thinking the warm weather is here and then we get a covering of snow. Do not remove any snow still piled on up plants as they still need the insulation from our freezing nights. So be a bit of patience is required.
A few point to consider:
• When all the snow melts, do not walk on the lawn as it may be very wet and which can damage the grass and compact the soil.
• Check your garden tools and examine for any rust, cleaning them as required, if this was not done in the fall.
• Cut back any perennials that you may have left up over the winter. Ornamental grasses, asters, black eye Susan, Sedums, etc.
• Any branches on your shrubs or trees damaged from the winter- cut back. This will encourage any new growth. But please note that early flowering shrubs should not be pruned until after they flower, example, Forsythia, Purple Sand Cherry. Trim back the dead flower heads of Rose of Sharon and most Hydrangeas should be cut back in late winter or early spring.
• Remove burlap that you may have put on your shrubs or trees for protection over the winter. This also goes for chicken wire.
• Apply horticultural oil (Dormant Oil) to help control insects that may have overwintered in the trees and shrubs. Use this before the buds open. If you wish to use the type of product read the instructions carefully.
• Due to our high winds this past winter, there may be lots of stems and branches on the ground. If possible pick them up from your gardens and lawns.

When the snow melts our gardens come to life. Snow Bells are already showing their flowers as well as Crocus, Tulips, Daffodils, and other spring bulbs have all their leaves and the blooms are ready to open up.
The new seedling should now be transplanted into 4” pots with good quality potting soil. Keet them in a well light area for planting in the garden bed.
Sooo looking forward to walking through my garden. Take Care Anne
Anne Maxwell CLD
Garden Innovations

02/04/2022

FEBRUARY 2022
We have started the month with a few snow storms. But the ground hog here in Ontario saw his shadow. Hopefully Spring will be here soon.
The days are getting a bit longer and I/we are wondering when it will get warmer. This is the month some of us will have a few chores outside. We can cut back our Rose of Sharon/Hibiscus if you have any. Also check if any branches of your trees or shrubs have been damaged from storms. Pruning, carefully.
If you have Forsythia, crab apple or cherry they can be cut and brought in the house in placed in a vase in a brightly light location and should begin to flower. Cut about 3’ length of branches, looking for healthy and ones with lots of buds. Cutting the stems on an angle and put in a container with warm water for a few minutes. Remove and cut back another few inches and using a hammer to hammer the ends. Remove any buds below the water line placing in your favourite vase and if you have any floral preservative that will help in keeping the water clean longer.
If you have been thinking of doing a Garden Design now is a good time before any growth is started in your gardens. This way you can see your garden bare. Using graph paper outline the location of your home and the new garden beds and noting their square footage. Use that as the Master Layout. Copy and add in the plants showing their location. Compile a master list of the plants – name, quantity, size and location. This way you can change your mind later on. Remember to take into account the full size of a plant at maturity and allow enough space for growth. Also another consideration is how much sun or shade a plant requires. A big importance that must be taken into account, as our climate is changing is how much water plants require.
Check and see any tubers that are stored are not sprouting. Cover with peat moss and keep in dark location.
If you have fluorescent lighting this is a good time to start planting yours seeds. I cover them with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Don’t let the soil dry out and watch for the first leaves. Once the leaves show, remove the plastic. Do not fertilize until there are at least 4 leaves. Note: not all seeds will develop at the same time.
Now is a good time to order any bulbs you may be thinking of Lilies or Gladiolus or a new a perennial cultivar like Cone Flowers, Sedums, or Asters. I have already ordered my new plants. I am always, looking for something a little bit different.
Anne

01/02/2022

JANUARY 2022
HAPPY NEW YEAR. I am looking forward to getting in my garden.
Xmas is over and you may want to keep that Poinsettia for next year. Your Poinsettia needs about 6 hours of bright sunlight. Treat it like any other house plant, watering when it gets dry. Once the weather gets warmer it can be put outside. Be sure that there is no danger of evening frost. If it gets leggy and losing leaves, repot with fresh good quality potting soil. In the first of October the plant must be for about 12-14 hours of darkness and 10 hours of daylight. Put it in closest or dark cupboard with no light access. This should continue for at least 8 to 10 weeks. Till you see the new bracts forming. Remove placing the plant in a sunny location preferably a south facing window. The small yellow flowers will continue to grow and the leaves turning red. Hopefully in time for next Xmas.
Now that January is here in Ontario it is usually the worst month for our gardens. Fluctuating temperatures: one day - snow and then the next rain. If you had put a thick layer of mulch on your gardens it will provide a good base. Any new shrubs or trees that were planted in the fall and there is no snow around them water the ground at their base, this does not hurt the plant in anyway. Snow is definitely good for the gardener as it insulates and protects them from the cold and windy days. If any of your trees or shrubs is coated with ice, do not remove but let it melt naturally.
Unfortunately there can be damage done to trees by animals during the winter, as they are looking for food. Mice, rabbits, moles and deer can be a problem. If the bark has been removed all around a trunk, it will eventually die. Small trees can be protected by placing a plastic guard or using wire screening around the trunk.
Late winter is the best time to prune fruit trees, as they are dormant. As there is no foliage it is easy to see where to prune. Select a day when it is above freezing. Late winter, however, is an excellent time to prune your trees. This will help prevent injury to the wood. You can easily see the structure of your tree, and you can rest assured knowing that the spring is not far off and your tree will soon be able to heal those wounds.
If you are like me I am already reading my bulb and seed catalogues. This is the perfect time within the next few weeks to look over your garden and see if there are in improvements or ideas you may wish to make. The ‘bones’ of the garden are barren leaving an empty palate. Take a look around the garden; can you add in a tree that will show winter interest or do you have problems with a windy area, then maybe a few Eastern Cedars may solve the problem plus adding in a green background to other wise drab landscape. The right plant planted in the right location. Something I always take into account.
Take the time to draw out a little garden design with your ideas and use your imagination.
January Snow Cover in our Backyard.

11/05/2021

The client of this residence’s driveway is approximately 100 feet long. When these photos were taken their plans included getting the driveway paved. The curb was already installed. The first thing I suggested is to consider the condition of the soil, removing as much of the existing soil and replacing with a good loam/compost mixture, at least 6"-8" thick. The shrubs that line the back of this garden should be pruned at least a foot. This will encourage growth at the base. Giving structure to the site. I selected plants that will do well in heat and sun and show movement on a windy day. Once established will take very little watering.

05/08/2020

Hi Everyone, for you that do not visit my personal page. I have posted a Business Card from Tomlinson Organics on Joyceville Rd. Their product is excellent. I bought the Class B as it is perfect for my gardens. The A is a bit stronger and needs to be mixed with mulch - like the leaves you collect in the fall would be perfect. The A type of soil would be great to this in the fall and let sit over the winter. If you are looking of topping up your garden beds do not hesitate to call Mark. Let him know I recommend their business.

03/17/2020

GARDEN TIPS FOR SPRING CLEAN UP
From Garden Innovations - Anne Maxwell

When the snow melts our gardens come to life. Snow Bells are already showing their flowers as well as Crocus, Tulips, Daffodils, and other spring bulbs have all their leaves and the blooms are ready to open up.
A few items to consider in your gardens:

• With this heavy rain, do not walk on the lawn as it is very wet and it may well damage the grass and compact the soil.
• Check your garden tools and examine for any rust, cleaning them as required, if this was not done in the fall.
• Cut back any perennials that you may have left up over the winter. Ornamental grasses, asters, black eye Susan, Sedums, etc.
• Remove burlap that you may have put on your shrubs or trees for protection over the winter. This also goes for chicken wire.
• Due to our heavy winds there may be lots of stems and branches on the ground. If possible pick them up from our gardens and lawns.
• Any branches on your shrubs or trees damaged from the winter- cut back. This will encourage any new growth. But please note that early flowering shrubs should not be pruned until after they flower, example, Forsythia, Purple Sand Cherry. Most Hydrangeas should be cut back in late winter or early spring.
• Once the weather warms up gently rake /turn over the mulch that you had applied in your garden beds in the fall to allow it to dry out faster. Do not remove; it will dry out as the weather gets warmer leaving the mulch to decay naturally over the next few weeks, adding nutrients to the soil. If you have evergreen trees, remove any cones that may have fallen plus any garbage that would have blown onto your lawn.
• It is not a good idea to rake a lawn until it has dried out as you can damage the grass and may pull the roots out. If there are fall leaves left from last fall, they will break down naturally. The grass should be at least 4” high when you first mow, leaving the grass clippings on the lawn, which is high in nutrients, to decay back into the lawn. Of course if your lawn mower leaves any clumps of cut grass, gently rake it over the lawn.
• Last chore: as the lawn and gardens start to dry, look for any weeds and remove them before they get a chance to grow.
• At this time it is good to look at your garden and see if you wish to move plants, or even start a new garden bed. Spring is also a good time to plant shrubs or trees. Write your ideas down or draw a plan.

ENJOY YOUR GARDEN The flowers will be here soon.

02/21/2020

I had the privileged of designing the Water Conservation Garden for Utilities Kingston a few years ago. Above is the rendering that was created to show what the garden would look like. The photos below are a few showing the pathways and the plants in bloom. This garden represents low maintenance and very little water used to maintain.

01/12/2020

Garden Innovations

WINTER MAINTENANCE FOR YOUR GARDEN

As the coldest days of our winter are upon us, you may think there is nothing to do but wait for the warmer days of spring. Here are a few tips to reflect about.
As our weather at times can be unpredictable it is a good idea to take a walk through your gardens and see if any damage has been done to shrubs or trees.
1) Snow cover is one of the best ways to insulate the garden from wind and cold. If you had covered your gardens with a good layer of mulched leaves in the fall then they will be well protected from the phases we experience of cold and warmer temperatures.
2) If we have a winter thaw and you had planted any new shrubs or trees, it might be a good idea to water them. Water close to the trunk and do not worry if it freezes.
3) With regards to freezing weather, where the branches are weighted down with ice, do not try and remove the ice, as you could easily break a branch. If the branches for instance, Cedars are covered in snow, you can gently brush the snow cover off.
4) This is also a great time to take a walk through your gardens and see if you may wish to change anything or add new plants. Or you may see problems with winter damage that may have occurred due to the location of a plant, it may be happy it was moved. Keep notes.
5) Unfortunately there can be damage done to trees by animals during the winter, as they are looking for food. Mice, rabbits, moles and deer can be a problem. If the bark has been removed all around a trunk, it will eventually die. Small trees can be protected by placing a plastic guard or using wire screening around the trunk.
6) Late winter is the best time to prune fruit trees, as they are dormant. As there is no foliage it is easy to see where to prune. Select a day when it is above freezing. This will help prevent injury to the wood. Wood may be fragile and could easily break in freezing weather. Note: I have just covered a few ideas with regards to winter pruning, so feel free to contact me is you have any questions.
7) Winter is a good time to get out your seed catalogues and maybe trade seeds with your gardening friends.
8) If you have not done so already clean your gardening tools before the spring arrives.
9) If you had a ‘real’ Xmas tree cut it up and put it either on your compost pile or use it as mulch around your small shrubs for protection during the winter months.
These are just a few tips to keep you aware of what is happening in the garden during the winter months. I hope his assist you. Anne Maxwell

10/10/2019

GARDENING TIPS FOR FALL
The month of October always represents the end of summer and that winter is not far off. This is the time to tidy up your gardens before the first frost arrives.
Things To Do in the Garden
• Plant your spring bulbs - I plant them a bit deeper than the instructions state. Adding in a bit of bone meal to help simulate the roots. Idea: if you are troubled with squirrels, try planting the tulip bulb first and then placing a daffodil on top.
• Cut back your perennials that have died or faded and add to your compost pile. Some, like Sedums & Black-eyed Susan, I do not cut up back as the seed heads are food for the birds over the winter and also add protection around the roots from the snow.
• If you have planted any new Shrubs or Trees this fall, continue to water them and ensure you water them deeply before the first frost.
• Any tender bulbs and tubers should be dug up and dried out then stored away in a cool place over the winter for planting next spring.
• I suggest for the last mowing of your lawn, keep the height of the grass to about 3”. This will assist in keeping the roots healthy over the winter.
• Mulch – When raking up the leaves you can do several things with these dried leaves.
1. Adding the leaves to your compost pile where they will decompose. Making sure you turn it over with a garden fork to mix in fully.
2. Using your lawn mower, mulch the leaves and place them over your garden beds.

This assists in many ways:

- Mulches help control weeds
- Mulches regulate soil temperature
- Mulches reduce soil erosion
- Mulches reduce the spread of diseases
- Mulches add essential elements back into the soil
- Mulches reduce heaving from frost
- Mulches insulate against soil compaction
Mulching will help in reducing the garden’s water needs by up to 70%. Watering should only be necessary during any prolonged dry periods, which hopefully is in only in the mid-summer.

The remainder of the leaves mulched on your lawn only stays on the top for a few days and helps to control weeds and also adds in a natural fertilizer to your lawn.

NO NEED TO BAG THESE LEAVES AND GIVE THEM TO THE CITY. USE THEM IN YOUR GARDENS.
🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂 🍂

04/27/2019

🌹🌺🌹🌹 - GARDEN TIPS FOR SPRING CLEAN UP

When the snow melts our gardens come to life. Snow Bells are already showing their flowers as well as Crocus, Tulips, Daffodils, and other spring bulbs have all their leaves and the blooms are ready to open up.

A few items to consider in your gardens:

1) With this heavy rain, do not walk on the lawn as it is very wet and it may well damage the grass and compact the soil.
2) Check your garden tools and examine for any rust, cleaning them as required, it this was not done in the fall.
3) Cut back any perennials that you may have left up over the winter. Ornamental grasses, asters, black eye Susan, Sedums - Autimn Joy, etc.
4) Any branches on your shrubs or trees damaged from the winter cut back. But please note, that early flowering shrubs should not be pruned until after they flower, example, Forsythia, Purple Sand Cherry. Most Hydrangeas should be cut back in late winter or early spring.
5) Once the weather warms up gently rake /turn over the mulch that you had applied in your garden beds in the fall to allow it to dry out faster. Do not remove; it will dry out as the weather gets warmer leaving the mulch to decay naturally over the next few weeks, adding in nutrients to the soil
6) It is not a good idea to rake a lawn until it has dried out. If there are fall leaves left from last fall, they will break done naturally.
7) The first mowing of your lawn should not be done till the grass it is at least 4” high, leaving the grass clippings on the lawn which is high in nutrients and will decay back into the lawn. Of course if your lawn mower leaves any clumps of cut grass, gently rake it over the lawn. Any questions do not hesitate to contact me.

Anne - [email protected].

ENJOY YOUR GARDENS 🌹🌺🌾🌼

01/30/2019

Hi to everyone that loves gardening and can’t wait to get into their gardens. So far this winter seems endless with the cold weather and snowfalls. Hopefully, soon you can exchange your snow shovels for garden shovels and trowels. Any ideas you may wish to implement or changes you wish to make in the garden and you are not sure which way to go, I would be happy to visit you and see if we can make your wishes and ideas become reality.

Anne - Garden Innovations
🌹 [email protected]

Garden Innovations

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